Theresa May has thanked a regional daily for being “at the forefront” of campaigning journalism in one of her last acts as Prime Minister.

The outgoing PM has paid tribute to the Yorkshire Post in a letter to editor James Mitchinson, highlighting the “important work” of the Leeds-based daily’s ‘Loneliness: The Hidden Epidemic’ campaign.

Mrs May also commended the Post’s role in the ‘Power Up The North’ campaign, a collaboration between 33 regional news titles aimed at getting greater government attention for the North of England.

In her letter, she said she “always enjoyed” her visits to Yorkshire and the Post office.

Mrs May with Yorkshire Post apprentice Natasha Meek

Mrs May wrote: “I fondly remember my discussions with your apprentice and editors and am glad that they got as much out of the experience as I did. Thank you for your kind words of support, and I want to pay tribute to the important work your newspaper has done over the last few years, especially regarding the ‘Loneliness: The Hidden Epidemic’ campaign.

“As you know, tackling this issue has been a personal priority for me and your campaign has made incredibly valuable progress towards ending the injustice of loneliness – I am sure it will continue to bear fruit for years to come.

“The Yorkshire Post, as always, is at the forefront of making the case for the North, and I commend the paper’s role in the ‘Power Up The North’ campaign. The Government shares the campaign’s ambitions for the North, which is why we launched the Northern Powerhouse five years ago to support a thriving Northern economy and ensure that this country works for everyone.

“Over the last few years, we have kick-started the biggest transfer of power to local leaders since the Second World War to make sure that local communities control the decisions that matter to them.”

Mrs May went on to state £13 billion on transport and £3.4 billion in growth deals had been pledged to cities in the North of England.

In her letter, written before Boris Johnson was unveiled as her successor, she added: “I know how important it is that the Northern Powerhouse remains at the heart of decision making in Government, which is why I have recently strengthened the role of Minister for the Northern Powerhouse and Local Growth by making it a joint appointment between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and the Ministry of Housing, communities and Local Government.

“This broadened role, sitting across the two departments responsible for local economic growth, reflects the critical importance we place on the Northern Powerhouse, and will ensure it remains at the forefront of our work to spread growth fairly across the country.

“There is much more to do, which is why investing in and supporting the North must remain a top priority for the Government.

“Both of the candidates to succeed me as Leader of the Conservative Party have spoken of the importance of the Northern Powerhouse and I trust that both will make it one of their top priorities to do all they can to unlock the North’s vast potential.”

An image of the letter was posted on Twitter by James this morning.

Yesterday I received this from @theresa_may It saddens me that the prospect of the abuse I’ll receive for complimenting her character, fortitude and resilience made me reluctant to share. But they must not win. So here it is: one of the last acts of our outgoing Prime Minister… pic.twitter.com/ukoiAo2Hlr

— James Mitchinson (@JayMitchinson) July 24, 2019

He wrote: “Yesterday I received this from Theresa May. It saddens me that the prospect of the abuse I’ll receive for complimenting her character, fortitude and resilience made me reluctant to share.

“But they must not win. So here it is: one of the last acts of our outgoing Prime Minister.”